2. 12. Gifts of the Spirit (2): Tongues 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 p. 1061

3. “Living to God”  Becoming “Slaves to righteousness” (Rom 6:18) Through the Holy Spirit. In the community of God’s people. The Spirit is at work in us:  For building each other up  Gifting us for the work of the Kingdom  Today – we start covering “Tongues”

4. 1. Gifts and the Purposes of God Tragedy:  Something Good been made a cause of conflict.  Language creates confusion: “Gift” What are gifts like?  Slightly luxurious  For us personally Word “Gift” cues our expectations and behaviour

5. 1. Gifts and the Purposes of God … Our assumptions are opposite of what God intends:  Gifts are tools, not toys  Gifts are given for the common good – not my selfish use  Gifts are practical & necessary. Gifts place an obligation / responsibility on us:  Used when they are needed – not when it suits me.  Use them for everybody – not just those I like.

6. 2. Tongues – what is it?  Acts 2 – spoke in tongues (glossa), crowd heard their own languages (dialektos). (also 1 Cor 14:21-22) human language for the purpose of proclamation.  1 Cor 14:2 – speaking to God “heavenly” language for prayer.  Note: not all “ecstatic babbling” is tongues.

7. 3. What is it for?  Two purposes: Human language for proclamation of God’s grace “Heavenly” language for prayer, praise, thanksgiving.  Maybe: carry the burdens of others  Maybe: to be prayer warriors for the church.  Tongues is real, good and still operates today.

8. 3. What is it for?  Not to be misused: Not a proof of spirituality or spiritual status. Not to be the only gift everyone wants.  There is an ordering of gifts.  Eagerly desire the greater (less spectacular) gifts.

9. Living it...  Correcting our perception: Gifts are tools not toys They are for others not just me. They are for building up, not status.  Tongues “Heavenly” – become prayer warriors for the church Human – proclaim the Word of God boldly.